Confidence Man – 3AM (LA LA LA)
Confidence Man’s 3AM (LA LA LA) is a bold, high-energy love letter to ’90s British club sounds, fused with their signature cheeky charm. Packed with pounding beats, Janet Planet’s flirtatious vocals, and Sugar Bones’ gritty edge, it’s a pure celebration of dancefloor chaos.
Reviews
Oct 19, 2024
Confidence Man's 3AM (LA LA LA) is a turbo-charged plunge into the glitzy, chaotic world of rave culture, capturing the magic of a night out in London with all the abandon and energy of the city's underground scene. The album is an unapologetic ode to late-night hedonism, drenched in the sounds of '90s British club culture but infused with a fresh, self-aware twist that only Confidence Man can deliver. It's a serious record that doesn't take itself too seriously – a perfect recipe for infectious fun that keeps you pressing repeat.
The duo – Janet Planet and Sugar Bones – has drawn on influences from their East London surroundings, shaping the album through what they called "cooked sessions," in which they'd head to the studio late at night, fully embracing the uninhibited, chaotic energy they bring to their music. This immersion gives 3AM (LA LA LA) a lived-in authenticity, the beats and lyrics capturing the feel of dancefloors and crammed afterparties in flats that only a city like London can provide.
From the first beats, it's clear this album leans heavily into the rave nostalgia that Confidence Man does so well. Tracks like "SO WHAT" and "REAL MOVE TOUCH" evoke the thumping intensity of The Chemical Brothers or the irreverent fun of Basement Jaxx. The album's tongue-in-cheek humour never wavers, balancing pounding beats with Janet's flirtatious vocals and Sugar's grittier edge. Together, they create an infectious and exhilarating sense of reckless fun.
With tracks like "I CAN'T LOSE YOU," there's a glimmer of Kylie Minogue's Fever era as Janet channels her inner pop diva with a glamorous edge that perfectly suits the album's polished chaos. Confidence Man taps into Eurodance's straightforward hooks and unstoppable rhythms, reminiscent of acts like the Vengaboys, pushing listeners toward a feeling of euphoric release. 3AM (LA LA LA) feels as much like an invitation to join in as it does an album – a pure, high-energy celebration of the night.
Fans who followed their single releases may already be familiar with many of the album's standout tracks, from “SO WHAT" to "CONTROL." While this means there's less surprise on the first listen, 3AM (LA LA LA) still shines as a cohesive, expertly crafted journey worth hearing in full. Sweetie Irie's feature on "REAL MOVE TOUCH" adds a warm and unexpected reggae twist. Although it would have been exciting to see other past collaborators like DJ BORING or DJ Seinfeld jump in, the album still feels full without the need for others to join the party. Perhaps Confidence Man will invite remixes or potential reworks in the future – something we've seen recently with Charli XCX's Brat and it's completely different but also still brat, which took on a life of its own through inventive remixes that stayed true to its spirit while bringing something new.
Following their unforgettable live sets, including this year's iconic Glastonbury show, which propelled them further into the mainstream, 3AM (LA LA LA) feels like a fitting step for Confidence Man, who have fully embraced the wild, campy silliness that made them such a festival hit. This album captures their live spirit – fun, exuberant, and not afraid to be over-the-top – and gives fans exactly what they want. Confidence Man continues to make music for the party-first crowd, and with 3AM (LA LA LA), they prove they're here to make sure no one wants to leave the dancefloor.